Robinson gives Blackburn Rovers boss a keeper poser

BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer admits fit-again goalkeeper Paul Robinson’s performance in his long-awaited comeback match has left him with a major selection headache.

The former England No.1 returned after 13 months on the sidelines to help Rovers to an excellent 1-1 draw with FA Cup favourites Manchester City on Saturday.

Now Bowyer must decide whether to stick with Robinson or bring back Simon Eastwood for this weekend’s Championship clash with Doncaster at Ewood Park.

Eastwood has helped Rovers to three wins and two draws in the six matches since taking over from Jake Kean between the posts.

But Bowyer was left impressed by Robinson’s display against City.

Bowyer said: “We knew Paul’s experience would be massive for us against City. He made a couple of decent saves but he knows this is just the start of his recovery.

“He’s still got a good bit to go but he’s worked very hard and he will continue to do that.

“With his experience he’s thrown down a challenge to both of the other goalkeepers that we already have and we’ve got a tough decision for next week.”

Bowyer told Robinson, who is now fully recovered from the blood clot on his lung that threatened his life, he would be starting against City before the New Year’s Day win at his former club Leeds United.

The absorbing third-round tie was the first time Robinson has played under Bowyer.

But he has been delighted by the job the manager has done in bringing stability to Rovers after the chaos of last season.

“I was at a club – Leeds United – early on in my career and the stuff that happened off the field there didn’t help,” said Robinson, who has 18 months left on his Rovers contract.

No headache here Gary, you decided that you needed to play him against City and he didn't let you down so for that reason alone play him again as he will only get better and he commands the defence properly.

No headache here Gary, you decided that you needed to play him against City and he didn't let you down so for that reason alone play him again as he will only get better and he commands the defence properly.A Rover 45 years and over

I'd keep him in for his performance against City, but all you thinking he "commands the back 4" need a wake up call. Robbo can't command his own area let alone the back 4.

If he learns to use his hands to catch balls in the air from set pieces or crosses he'd be our unrivaled #1. Big ask for a player who spent 3 years with us never catching a ball in the air.

But until then, I still rate Kean and Eastwood (even with their mistakes) over him.

I'd keep him in for his performance against City, but all you thinking he "commands the back 4" need a wake up call. Robbo can't command his own area let alone the back 4.
If he learns to use his hands to catch balls in the air from set pieces or crosses he'd be our unrivaled #1. Big ask for a player who spent 3 years with us never catching a ball in the air.
But until then, I still rate Kean and Eastwood (even with their mistakes) over him.RoverTheHill

For me, he looked very nervy between the posts v city. There were a couple of spills which could have gone very badly. It was also the first time I've seen a goal at Ewood in which the keeper didn't move an inch since Robbo used to play in goal every week.

For me i'd rather have Eastwood or Kean in net. Or better still we buy a keeper with some credentials and ship robbo off to some unsuspecting club.

For me, he looked very nervy between the posts v city. There were a couple of spills which could have gone very badly. It was also the first time I've seen a goal at Ewood in which the keeper didn't move an inch since Robbo used to play in goal every week.
For me i'd rather have Eastwood or Kean in net. Or better still we buy a keeper with some credentials and ship robbo off to some unsuspecting club.MxMave